UK off-roader specialist Ineos Automotive is considering equipping its Grenadier 4x4 with a new V8 engine, potentially to go head-to-head with Mercedes-AMG’s biturbo V8-powered G 63. Ineos company insiders even claim there is “a lot of enthusiasm” for such a project from shareholders, customers and its own dealer network. Strong Internal Support For V8-Powered Ineos Grenadier 4x4 Ineos AutomotiveCurrently, the Grenadier 4x4, launched in 2022 as a spiritual successor to the original Land Rover Defender, and its Quartermaster pickup counterpart that arrived two years later are powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder sourced from BMW. According to a recent report by Car Expert, a version of the Grenadier 4x4 powered by a V8 engine has strong support from company shareholders following the positive response to launch of Ineos' v8 Prototype at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. One of several obscure concepts the automaker debuted that weekend, incidentally.Though the project has not been confirmed, Ineos Australia boss Justin Hocevar explains that, as the company grows – the French-built products are officially sold in Europe, North America and the Antipodes – the likelihood of a G63-rivaling V8 vehicle gets even stronger.“We’d like to see something like that come here… I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm for it, both within the company, in our dealer networks, distributors around the world, and customers alike. At this point, nothing is confirmed unfortunately. But I think it’s a ‘watch this space’, and as we mature and get some of the fundamentals right, the likelihood of other special projects getting a run is better.”-Ineos Automotive regional director Justin Hovecar, via CarExpertWere a V8-powered Grenadier to come to fruition, it’s likely Ineos would gear its old-school 4x4 towards the hybrid-assisted Mercedes-AMG G63. This means boosting the current 282-horsepower and 331-pound feet of torque ratings to an equivalent 577 hp and 627 lb ft, or, at the very least, matching the 425 hp and 461 lb ft produced by the V8 Prototype. Whether such a project would include BMW's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 remains to be seen. CarBuzz.com has reached out to Ineos for further comment. Why The Company’s Future Will Probably Rely On BMW I6 Engines IneosAdmittedly, as demonstrated by the V8 Prototype, such a project would require an enormous amount of fettling to reach even limited numbers. To realize its V8 Prototype, for example, Ineos and development partner Magna had to redesign the engine mounts, engine electronics, the water and oil cooling systems, and fit a new exhaust manifold before the General Motors-sourced 6.2-liter V8 would fit. Even then, a hood scoop was mounted for additional cooling, and the center console had to be redesigned.Unsurprisingly, given the work required, Hovecar admits that the company’s long-term growth will probably be built around its existing six-cylinder line-up, or “working with what [they] have right now.” At present, two engines – the twin-turbo diesel B57 and the turbo-petrol B58 – are available, the latter of which powered Toyota’s recently discontinued Supra. But not this V8 follow-up, however….Source: CarExpert